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A visit to the Chinese Historical Society of America offers a look into the history of the Chinese in the United States. Inside, you will find personal and historical narratives of the immigration challenges that faced this group as well as rotating exhibits featuring Chinese American artists.
This museum first opened in 1963. It moved to its current location, a beautiful historic Julia Morgan building (the old Chinatown YMCA), in 2001.
Your visit begins the minute you step inside this SF museum. During my last visit, the lobby included an exhibit about the impact of the 1906 Earthquake on the Chinatown District.
You will often find at least one exhibit in this area.
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After you are done in the lobby, you will head to your left, into the main gallery. This is the heart of this Chinatown attraction.
The main gallery starts with the 'Crossing the Pacific' exhibit. This is where you can learn what it was like to take the journey from China to America.
From here, you then walk through the area that explains how the Chinese American's built their homes. It also takes you through the history of some of their early communities.
My favorite part of this gallery is the display explaining the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. It was one of the most restrictive immigration laws ever. It mainly targeted Chinese laborers trying to come to the US.
It also affected Chinese immigrants that were already in the country. It made it very difficult for them to visit their families in China and then return to the US.
It's one of the only places where you can hear personal stories about those impacted by the act. You can also learn more about what their families went through, on both sides of the Pacific, after the act passed in the US.
The final part of this gallery includes traveling exhibits. Items on display range from modern day Chinese American art to historical pieces.
Are you looking for other fun things to do in Chinatown? Here you will find a list of all the top attractions and activities in this popular SF district.
The courtyard is a small, outdoor space next to the main gallery. There aren't any exhibits out here, but it does offer some seating where you can relax and unwind during your visit.
The Circle and Square exhibit is part of the Chinese Historical Society of America's creative spaces project. This exhibit is by Leon Sun.
According to Sun, the circle and square together represent heaven and earth. The configuration you see in the picture above spells the Chinese character 'Tian', which means 'Field'. It represents human activities and presence on the land.
It's a replica of the one he created in his personal garden.
You are welcome to sit down and experience the Circle and Square exhibit during your visit.
This SF museum is open the following days and hours:
You can pick up your tickets at the entrance to the Chinese Historical Society of America entrance.
The museum is also part of the California Discover and Go Program. Contact your local California Library for information on getting free tickets to this museum.
They are also part of the Blue Star Museum. This offers free admission to active military members and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please present your current ID upon arrival for free tickets.
The museum is at 965 Clay Street, which is between Stockton and Powell Streets in Chinatown. Here is a map showing its location.
From Union Square:
From Fisherman's Wharf:
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Hi there! I'm Jill Loeffler and welcome to my site. I've been exploring San Francisco for almost two decades and I can't wait to help you find the best things to do here! Thanks for stopping by and please contact me if you have any questions before your trip.